My biggest blessings Posted On: Sunday, Nov. 22 2009 05:37 AM Yes! That's what my daughter exclaimed as I hit the chorus of "Jesus take the Wheel."

I was practicing the song for a performance during my induction into Gatesville's Country Music Hall of Fame.

After Elizabeth's verbal approval of my song choice and vocal ability, Daniel joined in singing the Carrie Underwood hit.

They both exclaimed, "Good job, Mom," when the country tune was over. I couldn't have been prouder.

That's the unbelievable part about parents. Growing up performing, I've always been used to applause, standing ovations, compliments, awards and achievements. None of those accolades ever measured up to hearing my parents simply say, "I'm proud of you."

And now that I'm a parent, I'm just as touched by their support … but now I also am totally fulfilled when I make my children proud.

Friday night, I performed at the induction program in Gatesville. Knowing my 8x10 glossy is up on that wall with the likes of Tracy Lawrence on it did make me quite proud.

I am grateful that I've been included in the hall of fame alongside real country singers when I'm not exactly that. I sing gospel music. Contemporary Christian music is what I write and that's what my CD is filled with but I've performed every genre, from opera, to rock and everything in between. I just love music, and I'm blessed that the Gatesville Country Hall of Fame board happened to like mine. It's truly an honor.

But the biggest blessing that night was the words that came from my No. 1 fans – my Mom, Dad and children. Daniel melted my heart with his compliments on the ride home, and on Saturday morning as I was going through video footage, dissecting my performance as I always do, I had a welcome interruption. Elizabeth walked in and said, "That's a great song you made Mommy!"

She was referring to one of my original songs. Sure, I've heard many compliments on my song writing, and every time I sell a CD and hear people say they were blessed by those songs, I'm deeply humbled and grateful. But nothing compares to the hug my little angel gave me after her touching statement.

Though they are partial, nothing feels quite as good as the approval and praise of my loved ones. They don't care that I have yet to sign a multimillion dollar record deal. They don't judge me for having not yet fulfilled my high school "most likely to succeed" award by becoming "famous." And they still hope and believe that one day it will happen for me.

I, too, dream of that day when I can walk down the red carpet. Forget the paparazzi, I'd be elated to see one thing – my parents and children flashing big smiles walking down that carpet with me.